Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Small Business
The Forbes Advisor Small Business team is committed to bringing you unbiased rankings and information with full editorial independence. We use product data, first-person testing, strategic methodologies and expert insights to inform all of our content to guide you in making the best decisions for your business journey.
Our team analyzed 16 VPN providers with 33 factors such as transparent pricing, number of server locations, the number of devices it can cover, access to customer support and customer ratings to organize this list of the best VPN services for Android. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
The Best Android VPNs
Forbes Advisor Ratings
What Is a VPN on Android?
An Android VPN is a virtual private network you can use on your Android phone or tablet. A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the VPN server. This tunnel protects your data from being intercepted by anyone else on the network, including your ISP.
A VPN also allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and censorship. By connecting to a server in a different country, you can access content thatβs normally blocked in your area.
VPNs are also useful for protecting your privacy. When youβre connected to a VPN, your traffic is routed through the VPN server, rather than directly to the internet. This makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activities.
How To Choose the Best Android VPN
Picking the best Android VPN can be a daunting task, given the myriad of options available, all promising to offer the best security and privacy. Hereβs what you need to keep in mind when deciding on an Android VPN.
Essential Features
- Security and encryption: Ensure that the VPN has strong encryption standards, such as AES 256-bit encryption, to protect your data during transmission.
- No-logs policy: Opt for a VPN provider that doesnβt keep any logs of your online activity to maintain your privacy and prevent third-party access to your information.
- Multiple server locations: A VPN with numerous server locations allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content from various countries.
- Fast and stable connections: Choose a VPN that offers fast and reliable connections for smooth browsing and streaming experiences.
- User-friendly interface: The best Android VPN should have an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, making navigation and configuration simple for users.
Pricing and Fees
When paying for multiple years at a time, youβre going to get the best rates, often less than $5 per month. If youβre paying month to month, you can expect to pay around $10 per month.
- Free vs. paid: While free VPNs can be tempting, they often have limitations, such as slower speeds and limited server options. Paid VPNs usually offer more features and better performance, making them worth the investment.
- Subscription plans: Examine the various subscription plans offered by the VPN provider and look for options that suit your budget and usage requirements.
- Money-back guarantee: Select a VPN service that offers a money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the service risk-free and request a refund if youβre not satisfied with its performance. You want to test your VPN in a variety of settings, such as where you frequently work or travel. Does it work well for the sites you visit? This is especially important for banking sites, which often block VPNs.
- Discounts and promotions: Keep an eye out for discounts and promotions, as many VPN providers offer special deals to attract new customers.
What Does a VPN Not Protect Against?
While VPNs offer significant benefits in terms of privacy, security and bypassing geo-restrictions, they are not a one-stop solution for all online threats. Itβs critical to understand the limitations of a VPN to ensure youβre taking adequate precautions to protect yourself. Here are some areas where a VPN might not offer protection:
- Malware and viruses: VPNs encrypt your data and provide privacy, but they usually donβt prevent malware or viruses from infecting your device. To protect against these threats, use reliable antivirus software and avoid downloading files from distrustful sources.
- Phishing attacks: VPNs cannot protect you from falling victim to phishing attacks, where cybercriminals trick you into revealing sensitive information such as passwords and credit card details. To stay safe, be cautious when clicking on links and avoid entering personal information on suspicious websites.
- Weak or compromised passwords: A VPN cannot protect your online accounts if you use weak or easily guessable passwords. Itβs essential to create strong, unique passwords for each account and consider using a password manager to help you remember them.
- Physical device theft: A VPN cannot safeguard your device from being stolen or accessed physically. To protect your data in such situations, use device encryption, strong passwords or biometric authentication, and enable remote wiping capabilities.
- User error: A VPN can only protect your privacy and security if you use it correctly. Accidentally disabling the VPN, connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks or leaking personal information through social media can still put your data at risk.
- Illegal activities: Using a VPN does not grant you immunity from the consequences of engaging in illegal activities online. While a VPN can help maintain your privacy, it is not a license to break the law, and you can still face legal repercussions if caught participating in unlawful activities.
Featured Partners
1
NordVPN
76% Off on NordVPN Premium
10
Yes (add-on)
2
Surfshark
$2.19 / month
Unlimited
Yes
3
Proton VPN
$9.99 / month
Unlimited
Yes
4
TotalVPN
$1.59 / month
Unlimited
Yes
How To Set Up a VPN on Android
To set up a VPN on Android, you need to install a VPN app on your device. There are many VPN apps to choose from, but not all of them are created equal. The best VPN apps will have a user-friendly interface, be easy to use and offer a variety of features.
Once youβve installed the VPN app, open it and enter your login information. Once youβre connected, you can choose a server location and start using the VPN. Most VPN apps will automatically connect to the best server location, but some allow you to choose a specific server.
Methodology
To rank the best VPNs for Android, Forbes Advisor analyzed a variety of factors, including price, number of servers, privacy policies and server speed. We also looked at customer service availability and whether the company is a part of the FVEY surveillance alliance.
While several on our list are part of these allied countries, they have strict no-logs policies. We also looked at customer reviews to see if a VPNβs marketing promises match real customer experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is the best VPN for an Android phone?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question as the best VPN for your Android phone will vary depending on your needs. However, Private Internet Access scored 4.7 out of 5 stars in our analysis across dozens of data points, making it a solid contender to consider.
What is the best free VPN for Android?
The best free VPNs for Android include NordVPN, TunnelBear and ProtonVPN. Each offers privacy protection and attractive pricing.
Does Android have a built-in VPN?
Most Android phones have a built-in VPN. However, you can install a VPN app on your device for more features.
Can I use my Android VPN on other devices?
Most VPN service providers offer apps for Android, iOS, Windows and Mac devices. All you need to do is download the app on your machine of choice and log in with your account information.
Can I use a VPN for streaming services?
VPNs let you connect to servers in other countries, making it easy to access content on streaming platforms that might not be available in your region. However, not all VPNs work well for streaming.
Do I need a VPN on my Android phone?
You donβt need a VPN for everyday use but it can help protect your privacy and access georestricted content.
Can I change my IP address on my Android device without a VPN?
You can change your IP address by connecting to different Wi-Fi networks or using mobile data, but using a VPN is a more secure and consistent way to change your IP while keeping your privacy intact. Some VPNs even allow you to purchase private IP addresses, which makes it a little easier to access banking sites or other websites that donβt work well with VPNs others have access to.
Is it safe to use a VPN on Android devices?
VPNs are typically safe for Android devices, but itβs crucial to select a trustworthy VPN provider that prioritizes security and privacy.
How do I check if my VPN is working on Android?
To make sure your VPN is functioning on Android, connect to the service and then use an IP address checking tool or visit a site, such as whatismyipaddress.com. This will help you confirm that your IP address and location have been altered successfully.
